Job Vacancy for Regional Officer, Africa at Lancaster University

Lancaster University – In the top 10 in all UK league tables, and currently the Times and Sunday Times University of the Year, Lancaster University has established itself as a world player in research and teaching. Students from one hundred countries make up a thriving community based on a beautiful parkland campus. Alongside a strong commitment to engage with the regional agenda, Lancaster has an international outlook, with a branch campus in Ghana, a joint institute with Beijing Jiaotong University in China and Lancaster University validated degrees delivered to over 3000 students at Sunway University in Malaysia. In addition, we have research, teaching and student exchange partnerships with leading universities and institutions in 24 countries around the world.

As part of Lancaster University’s increasing commitment to Africa, the University is seeking to appoint to the post of Regional Officer, Africa.

Job Title: Regional Officer, Africa 

Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Department: Recruitment, Admissions and International Development
Directly responsible to: Regional Manager, Africa
Supervisory responsibility for: N/A

Details

• The post requires extensive overseas travel and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.  You will need to be able to prioritise your workload and work under pressure whilst developing and maintaining mutually beneficial working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

Other Contacts 

Internal:

• Departmental Admissions Officers
• Faculty and departmental academic and administrative staff
• Other sections within Recruitment, Admissions and International Development e.g. Global Engagement and Admissions Office
• Other sections in Central Services e.g. Registry, Finance, Accommodation Office, Student Based Services
• Current students of Lancaster University

External: 

• Prospective students and parents
• University student recruitment agents and representatives,British Council
• Partner universities and organisations
• Embassies and Ministries of Education
• Schools, Agents and Alumni
• UK Higher Education institutions
• Sponsoring organisations.

The Role

• An essential member of Lancaster University’s International Office, the Regional Officer will provide dedicated logistical and administrative support to the Lancaster-based International Office and Admissions Office. The key aim of this position is to support students and key recruitment partnersacross the application process and to raise the profile of Lancaster University.  The successful candidate will be an extremely well-organised individual with the ability to prioritise work in order to meet tight deadlines. High levels of self-motivation and initiative are essential. Applicants should have excellent customer service skills and a thorough understanding of the UK higher education system.
• The post holder will report overall to the Regional Manager, based in Lancaster for, and will work closely with the Admissions Office, Academics and other key staff.
• The post holder will be based in the Lancaster University – Ghana, Nigeria Office in Victoria Island, Lagos. Day-today management will be provided by Lancaster University – Ghana.  .
• This post will require regular travel.
• The probation period is three months.

Job Purpose

• To increase the number of qualified African students mainly from Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya registering at Lancaster University (LU).
• To provide dedicated support to African enquirers and applicants through the admissions process.
• To provide logistical and administrative support to the Global Recruitment Office and Faculty Admissions Offices based at Lancaster.
• To support the implementation of the University’s student recruitment and marketing plans in Africa through promotional activities.
• Promote on-going support to LU recruitment partners

The job is based in Lagos, Nigeria and the postholder will be expected to undertake regular travel.  It may be necessary to undertake training and staff development activities at the University from time to time.

Major Duties

• To manage agent networks, including training, activity participation, application management, performance monitoring and relationship development within designated recruitment markets and contribute to annual agent report.
• Provide advice and guidance to all enquirers from Africa.
• Submit regular activity reports.
• Participate in Lancaster University promotional activities as advised by the Regional Manager for Africa at Lancaster University.
• Provide operational support for Lancaster University visits to Africaand undertake follow-up.
• Supporting the development of alumni relations in conjunction with the Alumni and Development Office
• Work with Regional Manager, Africa at Lancaster University to manage recruitment activities within the agreed budget and to deadlines.
• Manage all aspects of admissions process for applicants from Africa, providing dedicated support to all applicants and offer-holders.
• Closely monitor the progress of all applications from Africaand maintain accurate and up-to-date records.
• Support Lancaster offer holders through the student visa application process.
• Support the payment of tuition fee deposits to Lancaster University.
• Co-ordinate the distribution of all documentation and promotional material between Lancaster University and Africa, both incoming and outgoing, including new applications.
• Develop productive relationships with colleagues across the University and to provide advice and expertise relating to student recruitment from Africato academic and administrative departments.
• To organise visits from overseas contacts to Lancaster University.
• Develop relationships with key contacts in Africa.
• Any other duties as may reasonably be required by the Regional Manager, Head of International Student Recruitment or Head of Global Student Recruitment.

Person Specification

Criteria: (Essential / Desirable / Tested By)

• Knowledge of UK higher education and current issues – Essential – Application/interview
• Self motivation, flexibility and with the ability to work independently – Essential – Interview
• Evidence of administrative excellence – Essential – (Application/interview)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills – Essential – (Application/interview)
• Ability to work accurately under pressure both independently and as part of a team. – Essential – (Application/interview)
• Excellent time management and organisational skills with the ability to prioritise work.  – Essential – (Interview)
• Experience in overseas travel management – Essential – (Application/interview)
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, in particular use of word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, email and internet. – Essential – (Application/interview)
• Graduate of UK university – Desirable – (Application)
• Experience of working in education – Desirable – (Application)
• Knowledge of international student recruitment in relevant markets – Desirable – (Application/interview)

Salary
£15,000 per annum(gross- excluding health insurance and employer pension contribution), plus performance related bonus.

Deadline: Sunday 3rd March, 2019.

Interview Date
Interviews will be held in Lagos on or around 8th April 2019.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send a CV and Covering Letter to: lancaster@using the job title as the subject of the email and addressed to:

Mr Jamie Vegad
Regional Manager, Middle East, Africa and Indonesia
Lancaster University

Note: Applications received after the closing date above will not be considered.